Tokyo Hidden Backstreets: Private Sangenjaya Food & Drink Tour

About this experience

• A fully private, all-inclusive experience, tailored to your tastes and interests. • Explore the atmospheric, lantern-lit backstreets of Sangenjaya, a vibrant Tokyo neighbourhood largely undiscovered by tourists. • Discover hidden izakaya, intimate sake bars and independent restaurants carefully selected by your local guide. • Enjoy a delicious variety of Japanese dishes, from Tokyo's signature monjayaki to fresh sashimi, charcoal-grilled specialities and more. • Get hands-on with Japanese food culture by cooking your own monjayaki on a sizzling tabletop grill. • Sample a wide range of Japanese drinks, including sake, shochu, Hoppy and local favourites. • Experience authentic neighbourhood nightlife, mingle with locals and discover places you'd be unlikely to find on your own. • Enjoy the freedom to eat and drink according to your preferences, with all food and drinks included. • Flexible start times and a relaxed pace, with no strangers joining your group.

What to expect

1. Stop 1 · 15min

   Meet your local guide at Sangenjaya Station, just minutes from Shibuya, and discover one of Tokyo's most charming and lively neighbourhoods. Affectionately known to locals as Sancha, this fascinating area is largely overlooked by visitors. Wander through a labyrinth of narrow, lantern-lit alleyways packed with tiny bars, independent restaurants and traditional izakaya, while discovering the history, character and vibrant local culture that make this neighbourhood one of Tokyo's hidden gems.

2. Stop 2 · 1h

   Discover one of Tokyo's signature comfort foods at a lively local teppanyaki restaurant. Try your hand at cooking monjayaki, a savoury speciality prepared on a sizzling hotplate right at your table. A true taste of Tokyo's down-to-earth food culture.

3. Stop 3 · 1h 30min

   Step off the beaten track and discover one of Sangenjaya's hidden gems, a speciality sake izakaya tucked away from the bustling streets. Explore the wonderful world of Japanese sake alongside beautifully prepared sashimi and delicious charcoal-grilled robatayaki dishes. An intimate, atmospheric experience that captures the magic of Tokyo's hidden dining scene.

4. Stop 4 · 1h 15min

   Venture into the atmospheric maze of Sankaku Chitai, Sangenjaya's legendary triangle of narrow, lantern-lit alleyways packed with tiny bars and restaurants. Soak up the lively atmosphere at an intimate neighbourhood izakaya, enjoying delicious Japanese small plates, refreshing drinks and friendly conversation. A perfect taste of Tokyo's vibrant local nightlife, far from the tourist crowds.

5. Stop 5

   At the end of the evening, your guide will escort you back to Sangenjaya Station or help you hail a taxi back to your hotel, ensuring a relaxed and hassle-free end to your night.

Tour & ticket options

Options may have different inclusions and meeting points. Choose your option when booking on Viator.

Meeting & pickup

• Your guide will meet you in front of the ticket machines at the Central Exit of Sangenjaya Station. We're happy to provide detailed directions from your accommodation if needed.

End point

• Your guide will meet you in front of the ticket machines at the Central Exit of Sangenjaya Station. We're happy to provide detailed directions from your accommodation if needed.

・Children Children 12 or under go for free. ・Large Groups Large groups are welcome. We aim to offer an intimate experience so the tour may be altered to fit your group. Please contact us for more information.

Before you go

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• The legal drinking age in Japan is 20. We offer a great selection of local and interesting non-alcoholic drinks, so there's plenty to enjoy whether you drink alcohol or not.
• Vegetarian and gluten intolerance dietary requirements can be accommodated, but unfortunately we are unable to cater to vegans. Please let us know about any dietary restrictions or food allergies or food preferences when booking.
• Sharing Plates: Experience izakaya dining the Japanese way, with a generous selection of dishes shared among your group. Don't worry, you won't leave hungry!
• Group Size: This is a fully private tour exclusively for your group. Smaller groups allow us to visit some of the neighbourhood's more intimate establishments, but larger groups can also be accommodated.
• Smoking: Some small bars and traditional izakaya may permit indoor smoking. Although many establishments are now smoke-free, guests may occasionally encounter cigarette smoke.
• Walking: The tour involves some leisurely walking through narrow backstreets, so comfortable footwear is recommended.
• Solo travelers are very welcome!

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.